In the latest crop progress report for South Carolina it’s reported that the crop year has started off well. Conditions have been mostly favorable for both field work and crop development across the state this past week. Farmers were beginning preparations for planting, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. Soil moisture for the State was rated at 1% very short, 1% short, 87% adequate, and 11% surplus. There was an average of 5.9 days across the State that were suitable for fieldwork. Corn planting is reported to be completed in the low country, but cool weather and rain in the interior part of the state will see some acres intended for corn converted to other crops. Cotton planting was 10% complete, right in line with the five year average, 81% of the flue cured tobacco crop has been set, just shy of the five year average of 85%.

NC’s Corn Planting Catching Up with Five-year Average

In the latest crop progress report for North Carolina there were 5.4 days suitable for field work for the week ending April 28th, compared to 4.8 days for week ending April 21st. Statewide soil moisture levels were rated at 6% short, 73% adequate and 21% surplus. Average temperatures for the week were slightly below normal with very little rainfall across the state.

Dry conditions and warmer temperatures during the latter part of the week allowed for good progress in crop development as well as farmers having uninterrupted planting time.

Corn is 78% planted compared to 65% last week and 80% on the five year average, flue cured tobacco is 44% planted compared to 17% last year and 39% on the five year average, and cotton planting got underway last week with 11% in the ground, right in line with the five year average. Corn is 48% emerged, compared to 42% on the five year average, and winter wheat is 45% headed compared to 68% on the five year average. Wheat condition remains fairly stable.

More USDA Funding Announced to Boost Electric Grid Efficiency, Reliability

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced funding for four rural electric projects in eight states to provide reliable, affordable electricity for rural residents. Speaking at the legislative conference of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Washington – He said the announcement of support for additional projects that strengthen the rural electric grid and increase overall efficiency adds to the impressive history of the Rural Utilities Service. Vilsack noted that USDA’s Rural Utilities Service will celebrate 78 years of serving rural America this month.

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